Scented electronic candle

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems and devices associated with a scented electronic candle are described. In one example, an electronic candle includes an outer shell with one or more openings configured to allow a fragrance to exit to an ambient environment of the electronic candle. The outer shell comprises a central opening such that a flame element protrudes at least partially through the central opening. The device includes a light emitting component to emit a light onto the movable flame, and a mounting base positioned below the movable flame element. The device also includes a scent storage component removably coupled to the mounting base. The scent storage component includes a container to store a fragrance and an absorption member configured to draw the fragrance to the ambient environment of the electronic candle through the one or more small openings of the outer shell.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This patent document claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No.201922274189.4, filed Dec. 17, 2019. The entire content of the beforementioned patent application is incorporated by reference in this patentdocument.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to electronic lighting technology, andmore particularly, to a scented electronic candle device.

BACKGROUND

In home facilities, public restaurants, churches, temples, large themeparks or urban public infrastructures, candles are used to providelighting and to create ceremonial or romantic atmospheres. However, aconventional candle has a short lifetime and needs to be replacedfrequently. Moreover, a potential risk of fire due to the fire flameprevents candles from being widely used.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to scented electronic candles that, amongother features and benefits, provide rich visual and olfactoryexperiences to users.

In one example aspect, an electronic candle is disclosed. The electroniccandle includes an outer shell comprising one or more small openingsconfigured to allow a fragrance to exit to an ambient environment of theelectronic candle. The outer shell further comprising a central openingthat allows a flame element to protrude at least partially through thecentral opening of the outer shell. The flame element is supported by asupport structure to allow movement of the flame element that mimics areal flame. The device includes a light emitting component positioned atan angle with respect to the movable flame element to emit a light ontothe movable flame and a mounting base positioned below the movable flameelement and the light emitting component. The light emitting componentand at least part of the mounting base are enclosed by the outer shell.The device also includes a scent storage component removably coupled tothe mounting base. The scent storage component comprises a container tostore a fragrance and an absorption member configured to draw thefragrance from the container to the ambient environment of theelectronic candle through the mounting base and the one or more smallopenings of the outer shell.

These, and other, aspects are described in the present document.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example electronic candle with a sheet attachedthereto in accordance with the present technology.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example electronic candle in accordance withthe present technology.

FIG. 3A illustrates a blow-up diagram of components of an exampleelectronic candle shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the presenttechnology.

FIG. 3B illustrates a blow-up diagram of components of an exampleelectronic candle shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with the presenttechnology.

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross section of the example electronic candleshown in FIG. 3A in accordance with the present technology.

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross section of the example electronic candleshown in FIG. 3B in accordance with the present technology.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example installation process of installing ascent storage component of an example electronic candle in accordancewith the present technology.

FIG. 5B illustrates another example installation process of installing ascent storage component of an example electronic candle in accordancewith the present technology.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section of a fragrance diffuser bottle inaccordance with the present technology.

FIG. 7 illustrates selected components of the fragrance diffuser bottleshown in FIG. 6 bottle in accordance with the present technology.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a mounting base and a fragrancecontainer of an example electronic candle in accordance with the presenttechnology.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example element of an example electronic candle inaccordance with the present technology.

FIG. 10 illustrates a blow-up diagram of parts in a scent storagecomponent of an example electronic candle in accordance with the presenttechnology.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example scent storage component with a cap inaccordance with the present technology.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example electronic candle with a collar attachedthereon in accordance with the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to facilitate the understanding of the features and advantagesof the disclosed technology, the present disclosure will be explainedwith reference to the example figures and embodiments. It is to be notedhere that the embodiments and features can be combined with each other,provided that they do not conflict. Thus, the scope of the presentdisclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below.

With the development of new technologies, electronic candles now canprovide illumination similar to real candles and also possess aestheticand decorative qualities, which has let to their wide-ranging uses inhotels, churches and homes. In particular, scented electronic candles,configured to release various types of fragrances while emitting light,provide a combination of aromatherapy and rich visual experiences forusers. This patent document discloses techniques that can be implementedin various embodiments to provide aesthetically pleasing scentedelectronic candles that operate effectively and safely in diffusingfragrances.

FIGS. 1-5B illustrate embodiments of scented electronic candles inaccordance with the present technology. A scented electronic candle inaccordance with the present technology can include the followingcomponents: an outer shell 700 (see FIGS. 1-2), a flame sheet 100 (seeFIGS. 1-2), a power plug assembly 930 (see FIGS. 1-2), a mounting base300 (see FIGS. 3A-5B), a scent storage component 400 (see FIGS. 2-3), alight emitting unit 200 (see FIGS. 3A-4B), a heating unit 600 (see FIGS.3A-4B), and a control unit such as a circuit board 1000 provided with acontrol circuit (see FIGS. 3A-4B).

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the scented electronic candle includes an outershell 700. The outer cylinder 700 can have a cylindrical structure andcan be made of wax or other materials (such as plastic). The outer shell700 is installed on a mounting base 300, which is coupled to a scentstorage component 400. The top surface of the outer shell 700 includesone or more small openings 710 to allow the fragrance stored in thescent storage component 400 to diffuse into the ambient environment.

The scented electronic candle also includes a flame element 100. Theflame element 100 can be partly or completely positioned outside theouter shell 700. Other components such as the light emitting unit 200,the heating unit 600, and the control unit can be arranged within theouter shell 700. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, part of themounting base 300 is positioned within the outer shell 700 and part ofthe mounting base 300 (e.g., the base plate 391) is exposed. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the outer shell 700 cover the mountingbase 300 entirely such that the scented electronic candle device has auniform shape mimicking a real candle.

In some embodiments, the scented electronic candle device includes a topopening that allows a flame element 100 to protrude, at least partially,from the opening. The flame element 100 has a shape of a real flame. Theflame element 100 can be a fixed element or a movable element that canswing freely to mimic the flickering movement of a real flame. In someembodiments, the flame element 100 can be fixedly or movably coupled onthe mounting base 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the scentedelectronic candle device includes a support structure 110 (e.g., a hookbracket) that is mounted on the mounting base 300 to support a movableflame element 100. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4B, the supportstructure 100 comprises a wire 120 positioned across the top opening tosupport the movable flame element 100. The wire 120 can be supported bya wire support 180 as shown in FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, a ring 160can be positioned around the opening on a ring support. In someembodiments, the ring 160 can also operate as a touch sensitive on-offswitch. In some embodiments, an additional metal plate can be positionedon or close to the ring support to operate as a touch sensitive on-offswitch. The touch sensitive on-off switch can be made of conductivematerial that forms a capacitive element in electrical connection withthe control circuit. When a user's finger contacts, or is within closeproximity of, the touch sensitive on-off switch, a capacitive contact isformed to complete a circuit. The touch-sensitive mechanism can be usedfor turning the candle on or off, or for controlling other functions ofthe scented candle in a step-wise manner. For example, each touch canincrease or decrease intensity of the light source, to switch the colorof light, or to change a mode of operation (e.g., from flickering toconstant intensity). In some embodiments, the touch sensitive element(shaped as a ring, or other shapes) includes two segments that arepreferably poisoned at two different sides of the flame element on thetop surface of the candle device. In such embodiments, the two-piecetouch sensitive element is configured to operate as a switch (e.g.,conduct a current) only if both segments of the touch sensitive elementare touched. For example, a user can touch one segment of the touchsensitive element that is positioned close to, and on one side of, theflame element with his/her thumb, and the other segment of the touchsensitive element that is positioned close to, and on an opposite sideof, the flame element with his/her index finger to activate the switchand turn off the imitation candle device. As such, the multi-segmenttouch element can be used to simulate the appearance that the user isextinguishing the candle flame using his/her fingers.

In some embodiments, the flame element 100 can include a magnet (e.g.,at the lower end of the flame element). As shown in FIGS. 4A-B, thescented electronic candle device includes a magnetic coil 910 positionedbelow the flame element 100. The magnetic coil 910 is connected to thecontrol unit 1000 can be connected to alter the generated magneticfield, thereby driving the movement of the flame element 100 to simulatethe movement of a real flame. The magnetic coil 910 can be positioned ina coil holder 920 (as shown in FIG. 4B), which is installed on themounting base 300 of the scented electronic candle device.

The scented electronic candle device includes a light emitting unit 200that emits light onto the flame element 100. The light emitting unit 200can include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In someembodiments, the LEDs can emit light of different colors. In someembodiments, the light-emitting unit 200 is fixedly coupled to themounting base 300. In some embodiments, the light-emitting unit 200 ismovable with respect to the mounting base 300 and the flame element 100.For example, the light-emitting unit 200 can swing back and forth whilethe flame piece 100 is fixedly coupled to the mounting base 300. In someembodiments, the light-emitting unit 200 is positioned in alight-emitting unit holder 210 (as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B). Thelight-emitting unit holder 210 further provides a lens 220 positionedbetween the one or more LEDs and the flame element 100 to direct andfocus the light emitted from the LEDs. The angle of the light cast bythe light emitting unit 200, the relative movement between the lightelement 100 and the light emitting unit 200, and/or the combination ofcolors of the LEDs can form an effect that simulates a real flame.

In some embodiments, the scented candle device also includes a motion oracoustic sensor (e.g., a microphone) that is held in place within theinterior of the candle device. The sensor converts motion and/oracoustic signals into electrical signals that are provided to thecontrol circuit. For example, a microphone can be positioned closer tothe top surface of the scented candle device to intercept sound wavesthat travel into the interior of the scented candle device. The centralopening of the outer shell allows the microphone to capture acousticwaves that travel down into the interior of the scented candle device.In this way, when a user blows in the direction of the scented flameelement 302, the blow is captured by the microphone, and the appropriatesignals are generated to turn off the scented candle device.

The scented electronic candle device further includes a scent storagecomponent 400 that can store various types of fragrances. The scentstorage component 400 can be installed by connecting to a part of themounting base 300 (e.g., coupled to the top part of the mounting base300 and positioned against a side wall of the mounting base 300 as shownin FIGS. 4A-B). The fragrance stored in the scent storage component 400can be in various forms, such as a solid form or a liquid form. In theexamples illustrated in FIGS. 3A-5, the scent storage component 400stores a liquid fragrance. The scent storage component 400 includes afragrance container 410 for storing the liquid fragrance and a liquidabsorption member 420.

In some embodiments, the fragrance container 410 can be a fragrancediffuser bottle. FIGS. 6-7 illustrate an example fragrance diffuserbottle in accordance with the present technology. The lower end of theliquid absorbing member 420 extends into the fragrance container 410,and the top end extends outside of the fragrance container 410. Theliquid absorbing member 420 can include a material capable of absorbingliquid, such as a cotton wick or a woven felt wick, so as to deliver thefragrance in the fragrance container 410 to the outside of the fragrancecontainer 410. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4A-B, the top endof the liquid absorbing member 420 extends into a chamber 340 formedwithin the mounting base 300 that is configured to guide the fragrancefrom the top end of the liquid absorbing member 420 to the openings onthe outer shell 700. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4B, the sidewall of chamber includes one or more guide tubes 730 (also shown in FIG.3B) that are connected to the small openings 710 on the outer shell 700to further facilitate the directing of the fragrance from the liquidabsorbing member 420 to the ambient environment. The one or more guidetubes provide more efficient delivery of the fragrance to the ambientenvironment of the scented candle.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, the scented electronic candle device caninclude a detection unit 500 configured to detect whether the scentstorage component 400 is properly installed. In some embodiments, thedetection unit 500 is connected to the control unit and can be triggeredwhen the scent storage component 400 is installed on the mounting base300, thereby obtaining a signal indicating that the scent storagecomponent 400 is installed in place. The detection unit 500 can transmitthe signal to the control unit so that the control unit can activate theheating unit 600 (as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B) to generate heat. The heatemitted from the heating unit 600 can promote the diffusion of thefragrance, thereby increasing the aromatherapy effect. The heating unit600 can be a cement resistor or other types of heating units. Theheating unit 600 can be installed on a heating unit bracket 610 (asshown in FIG. 4A), which can be installed on the mounting base 300.

The detection unit 500 can be implemented as various types of sensordevices, such as photoelectric sensors, trigger switches, etc. In someembodiments, the detection unit 500 can include a trigger switch. Asshown in FIG. 5A, the detection unit 500 comprises a trigger switch canbe located on an installation path of the scent storage component 400.When the scent storage component 400 is being installed to on themounting base 300 along the installation path, the trigger switch istriggered. In some embodiments, the trigger switch is touch switch. Thetouch switch can be turned on or off by lightly touching the touchswitch. A switch cap 510, as shown in FIG. 3A, can be installed on thetouch switch.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the detection unit 500 (e.g., atrigger switch) is arranged above the installation path of the scentstorage component 400. During the installation process, the scentstorage component 400 moves upward as shown by the arrow on the leftside of FIG. 5A. When the scent storage component 400 is installed andcoupled to the mounting base 300, the top of the scent storage component400 touches the trigger switch 500, thereby triggering the generation ofa signal that indicates the scent storage component 400 is in place.Alternatively, or in addition, the detection unit 500 can be arranged onthe main body 310 of the mounting base 300. For example, the detectionunit 500 positioned on the main body 310 can be triggered when it ispushed sideways (e.g., squeezed) by scent storage component 400 duringinstallation. The detection unit 500 can include optical switches,electrical switches, magnetic switches to generate other types ofsignals (e.g., optical signals, electrical signals, magnetic signals,etc.).

The mounting base 300 and the scent storage component 400 can be coupledtogether in various ways. In some embodiments, the mounting base 300includes a main body 310 and a top base 320 (as shown in FIG. 3A). Thetop base 320 protrudes from one side of the main body 310 to be coupledwith the scent storage component 400 such that the scent storagecomponent 400 is arranged side by side with the main body 310. In someembodiments, the scent storage component 400 can also be connected tothe main body 310 of the mounting base 300 instead of the top base 320.

As shown in FIG. 5B, in some embodiments, the mounting base 300 includesone or more LEDs 350 (also illustrated in FIG. 3B) that are inconnection with the control circuit. The one or more LEDs 350 can becontrolled to emit different colors and/or change the colors of emittedlight. After the mounting base 300 and the scent storage component 400are coupled together, the one or more LEDs 350 are positioned behind thescented storage component 400 (e.g., transparent/translucent glass orplastic bottle) to emit different colors of light based on differentsettings (e.g., user preferences, time of the day, etc.).

In some embodiments, the main body 310 of the mounting base 300 includesan indicator light 330 to indicate the remaining amount of fragrance inthe fragrance container 410. For example, the fragrance container 410can be made of transparent or semi-transparent materials. The indicatorlight 330 is connected to the control unit configured to illuminate thebody of the fragrance container 410 such that the amount of liquidfragrance in the fragrance container 410 is visible to the user. Theindicator light 330 can be located close to the bottom of the fragrancecontainer 410 or around the middle section of the fragrance container410.

Referring to FIGS. 6-7, in some embodiments, the top part of themounting base 300 is formed as a clamp to allow the top end 411 of thefragrance container 410 to be securely clamped to the mounting base 300.In some embodiments, the top part 320 includes a mounting hole 322 intowhich the top end 411 of the fragrance container 410 is inserted andsecurely clamped. As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the fragrancecontainer 410 includes a liquid absorption channel 430 arranged at theopening of the fragrance container 410. The angle of the liquidabsorption channel 430 with respect to a central axis of the fragrancecontainer 410 can be adjusted. The arrangement of the liquid absorptionchannel 430 is configured to maximize the amount of fragrance drawn fromthe fragrance container 410 and to control the direction in which thefragrance is directed from the fragrance container 410.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10-11, the liquid absorptionchannel 430 is installed at the opening of the fragrance container 410.The fragrance container 410 includes a cavity to hold the liquidfragrance. The liquid absorption channel 430 holds a liquid absorbingmember 420 that extends into the cavity to draw the fragrance. Theliquid absorption channel 430 is connected to a top end 431 thatincludes one or more fragrance dispersing ports 432 and 433 fordispersing fragrance. In some embodiments, the fragrance port 432 isprovided on the side of the top end 431, and the fragrance port 433 isprovided on the top of the top end 431. The top end 431 separates theliquid absorbing member 420 from other parts of the candle device. Insome embodiments, the top end 431 includes a heat-resistant materialsuch that, when the liquid absorbing member 420 and the absorptionchannel 430 are heated to accelerate the evaporation of the fragrance,the remaining parts of the candle are not affected by the heat. In someembodiments, the scent storage component 400 further includes a bottlecap 440 to prevent dust from collecting on the fragrance ports. Thebottle cap can include small openings (e.g., on the side wall of thecap) to allow the fragrance to diffuse.

In some embodiments, the liquid absorbing member 420 includes awaterproof membrane (e.g., oiled paper, plastic wrap, etc.) and a corewick. The core wick can include absorbent materials such as cotton orwoven felt. The waterproof membrane wraps around the side wall of thecore wick, while the top and bottom ends of the wick are exposed to thefragrance and the air. The waterproof membrane can prevent excessiveloss of fragrance when the electronic candle is knocked over or beturned sideways.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the main body 310 of themounting base 300 has a limiting protrusion 311. The part of thefragrance container 410 facing the main body 310 includes a groove 421that matches the limiting protrusion. Alternatively, or in addition, themain body 310 of the mounting base 300 has a limiting groove while thepart of the fragrance container 410 facing the main body 310 includes aprotrusion that matches the limiting groove. The limitingprotrusion/groove and the corresponding groove/protrusion ensure thatthe fragrance container 410 is securely connected to the mounting base300 and prevent the fragrance container 410 from shifting left or rightfrom the mounting base 300.

In some embodiments, the scented electronic candle device can furtherinclude an element, as shown in FIG. 9, that is detachably mounted onthe outer shell 700 or the mounting base 300. The element includes atransparent or semi-transparent sheet 810 that has various patternsprinted thereon. When the light of the light-emitting unit 200 of thescented electronic candle device emits light through the transparent orsemi-transparent sheet 810, various visual effects can be presented tousers. The shape and/or size of the transparent or semi-transparentsheet 810 can be adapted based on users' preferences, such as shown inFIG. 3A.

Referring to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, a sheet holder 820 is providedto support the transparent or semi-transparent sheet 810. The sheetholder 820 has one or more fastening units 821 (e.g., buckles) on theleft and/or right sides to allow the sheet 810 to be fastened on thesheet holders. The sheet 810 can further additional fastening units 811(e.g., raised buckles or snap clips) on both sides to allow it to beremovably attached to a snap ring 830. The snap ring 830 can bepositioned around the outer shell 700 of the scented candle.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, a collar 840 is can bedetachably installed on the outer shell 700 or the mounting base 300.The collar 840 can be positioned to hide the connection between theouter shell 700 and the mounting base 300 (of any part of the mountingbase 300 that is exposed). The collar 840 can be installed onto theouter shell 700 or the mounting base 300 via a fastening mechanism(e.g., snap clips or buckles). In some embodiments, the collar 840 caninclude printed logo of the scented electronic candle device or otherelements. The shape and/or size of the collar 840 can also be adaptedbased on users' preferences, such as shown in FIG. 3A.

Furthermore, the scented electronic candle device includes a power plugassembly 930. The power plug assembly 930 can include one or moreadaptors to adapt to universal interchangeable plugs, suitable forinternational usage. The power plug assembly 930 can be mounted to themounting base 300 in a similar manner as mounting a screw (e.g., byrotating the power plug assembly 930). The power plug assembly 930 isconnected to the control unit 1000. When the power plug assembly 930 isplugged into a power supply, the scented electronic candle device isprovided power to operate. In some embodiments, the scented electroniccandle device can function as a night light to provide aroma as well assoft lighting overnight.

In one example aspect, an electronic candle device includes an outershell comprising one or more openings positioned at a top section of theouter shell and configured to allow a fragrance to exit to an ambientenvironment of the electronic candle. The outer shell further includes acentral opening that allows a flame element to at least partiallyprotrude through the central opening of the outer shell. The flameelement is supported by a support structure to allow movement of theflame element that mimics a real flame. The device also includes a lightemitting component positioned to emit a light onto the movable flame anda mounting base positioned below the movable flame element. At leastpart of the mounting base is enclosed by the outer shell. The deviceincludes one or more guides coupled to the openings of the outer shelland a scent storage component removably coupled to the mounting base.The scent storage component includes a container to store a fragranceand an absorption member configured to draw the fragrance from thecontainer to the ambient environment of the electronic candle throughthe mounting base, the one or more guides and the one or more openingsof the outer shell.

In some embodiments, the support structure comprises a wire thatsupports the flame element. In some embodiments, the support structurecomprises a bracket that supports the flame element. In someembodiments, the flame element comprises a magnet, and the devicefurther includes a magnetic coil positioned below the flame elementconfigured to alter a magnetic field to enable the movement of the flameelement.

In some embodiments, the light emitting component comprises one or morelight emitting diodes configured to emit a same color or differentcolors. In some embodiments, the light emitting component is positionedto illuminate the flame element from within the outer shell at an upwardinclined angle. In some embodiments, the device further includes a lenspositioned between the light emitting component and the flame elementconfigured to direct the light from the light emitting component to theflame element.

In some embodiments, the device includes a heating element positioned inproximity to the absorption member. The heating element is configured toheat the fragrance as the fragrance passes through the absorptionmember. In some embodiments, the device includes a switch positionedalong an installation path of the scent storage component. Upon thescent storage component being coupled to the mounting base, the switchis configured to generate a signal indicating that the scent storagecomponent is installed in place. In some embodiments, the switchcomprises a touch switch, an optical switch, an electrical switch, or amagnetic switch.

In some embodiments, the one or more guides are formed as a chamberwithin the mounting base that is connected to the one or more smallopenings of the outer shell. The absorption member comprises anabsorption channel and a core wick, and a bottom end of the core wick isin contact with the fragrance held in the container and a top end of thecore wick extends into the chamber. In some embodiments, the one or moreguides further comprise tubes that are positioned at a side wall of thechamber within the mounting base.

In some embodiments, the core wick is wrapped with a water-resistancemembrane configured to prevent a loss of the fragrance in case theelectronic candle is tilted sideways. In some embodiments, the scentstorage component comprises a top part positioned above the absorptionmember, the top part including one or more fragrance dispersing portsconfigured to disperse the fragrance from the absorption member throughthe mounting base. In some embodiments, the scent storage componentfurther comprises a cap positioned above the one or more fragrancedispersing ports to prevent dust from collecting on the one or morefragrance dispersing ports.

In some embodiments, the mounting base comprises a protrusion, andwherein the container of the scent storage component comprises a groovethat engages with the protrusion to allow the scent storage component tobe securely installed to the mounting base. In some embodiments, thedevice further includes a control unit configured to control anoperation of the device and a detachable power plug assembly mounted tothe mounting base. The detachable power plug assembly is configured toconnect to a power source to provide power to the control unit. In someembodiments, the detachable power plug assembly comprises an adaptorconfigured to interface with universal interchangeable plugs.

In some embodiments, the device includes a ring support positionedaround the outer shell and a transparent or semi-transparent sheetcoupled to the ring support. In some embodiments, the transparent orsemi-transparent sheet comprises one or more designs printed thereon,the light emitting component is positioned within the outer shell, andthe light emitted from the light emitting component is directed orrefracted through the transparent or semi-transparent sheet. In someembodiments, the device includes a collar positioned close to a lowerpart of the outer shell and an upper part of the mounting.

In the present disclosure, the terms such as “first” and “second” areonly for the purpose of illustration and they do not indicate or implyany relative importance. The term “a plurality of” means two or more,unless indicated otherwise explicitly. The term “connected” may refer to“connected directly” or “connected via an intermediate component”. Inthe above description, it is to be noted that the terms indicatingdirections or positional relations, such as “up” and “down”, indicatesdirections or positional relations as shown in the figures. They are forthe purpose of simplifying description of the present disclosure, and donot indicate or imply that the device or unit in question should alwaysbe construed to have a particular direction or operate in a particulardirection.

Some of the components or modules that are described in connection withthe disclosed embodiments can be implemented as hardware, software, orcombinations thereof. For example, a hardware implementation can includediscrete analog and/or digital components that are, for example,integrated as part of a printed circuit board. Alternatively, oradditionally, the disclosed components or modules can be implemented asan Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and/or as a FieldProgrammable Gate Array (FPGA) device. Some implementations mayadditionally or alternatively include a digital signal processor (DSP)that is a specialized microprocessor with an architecture optimized forthe operational needs of digital signal processing associated with thedisclosed functionalities of this application.

Some of the embodiments related to operations such as processing ofsignals or performing certain tasks and processes, described herein aredescribed in the general context of methods or processes, which may beimplemented at least in-part by a computer program product, embodied ina computer-readable medium, including computer-executable instructions,such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments. Acomputer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storagedevices including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM), RandomAccess Memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVD),Blu-ray Discs, etc. Therefore, the computer-readable media described inthe present application include non-transitory storage media. Generally,program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components,data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implementparticular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions,associated data structures, and program modules represent examples ofprogram code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. Theparticular sequence of such executable instructions or associated datastructures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementingthe functions described in such steps or processes.

While this patent document contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may beclaimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific toparticular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features thatare described in this patent document in the context of separateembodiments can also be implemented in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in thecontext of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multipleembodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover,although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. Moreover, the separation of various system components in theembodiments described in this patent document should not be understoodas requiring such separation in all embodiments.

The foregoing is merely illustrative of the preferred embodiments of thepresent disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure.Various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in theart. Any modifications, equivalent alternatives are improvements thatare made without departing from the spirit and principles of the presentdisclosure are to be encompassed by the scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic candle device, comprising: an outershell comprising one or more openings positioned at a top section of theouter shell and configured to allow a fragrance to exit to an ambientenvironment of the electronic candle device, the outer shell furthercomprising a central opening; a flame element at least partiallyprotruding through the central opening of the outer shell, the flameelement supported by a support structure to allow movement of the flameelement that mimics a real flame; a light emitting component positionedto emit a light onto the flame element; a mounting base positioned belowthe flame element, the mounting base comprising a main body and a topbase, wherein at least part of the top base is enclosed by the outershell, and wherein the main body extends vertically below the outershell; one or more guides coupled to the one or more openings of theouter shell; and a scent storage component removably coupled to one sideof the main body of the mounting base, wherein the scent storagecomponent is at least partially exposed outside of the outer shell, thescent storage component comprising a container to store a fragrance andan absorption member configured to draw the fragrance from the containerto the ambient environment of the electronic candle device through themounting base, the one or more guides and the one or more openings ofthe outer shell.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the support structurecomprises a wire that supports the flame element.
 3. The device of claim1, wherein the support structure comprises a bracket that supports theflame element.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the flame elementcomprises a magnet, and the device further comprises: a magnetic coilpositioned below the flame element configured to alter a magnetic fieldto enable the movement of the flame element.
 5. The device of claim 1,wherein the light emitting component comprises one or more lightemitting diodes configured to emit a same color or different colors. 6.The device of claim 1, wherein the light emitting component ispositioned to illuminate the flame element from within the outer shellat an upward inclined angle.
 7. The device of claim 6, furthercomprising a lens positioned between the light emitting component andthe flame element configured to direct the light from the light emittingcomponent to the flame element.
 8. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a heating element positioned in proximity to the absorptionmember, wherein the heating element is configured to heat the fragranceas the fragrance passes through the absorption member.
 9. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising: a switch positioned along an installationpath of the scent storage component, wherein, upon the scent storagecomponent being coupled to the mounting base, the switch is configuredto generate a signal indicating that the scent storage component isinstalled in place.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the switchcomprises a touch switch, an optical switch, an electrical switch, or amagnetic switch.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or moreguides are formed as a chamber within the mounting base that isconnected to the one or more openings of the outer shell, wherein theabsorption member comprises an absorption channel and a core wick, andwherein a bottom end of the core wick is in contact with the fragranceheld in the container and a top end of the core wick extends into thechamber.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the one or more guidesfurther comprise one or more tubes that are positioned at a side wall ofthe chamber within the mounting base.
 13. The device of claim 11,wherein the core wick is wrapped with a water-resistance membraneconfigured to prevent a loss of the fragrance in case the electroniccandle device is tilted sideways.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein thescent storage component comprises a top part positioned above theabsorption member, the top part including one or more fragrancedispersing ports configured to disperse the fragrance from theabsorption member through the mounting base.
 15. The device of claim 14,wherein the scent storage component further comprises a cap positionedabove the one or more fragrance dispersing ports to prevent dust fromcollecting on the one or more fragrance dispersing ports.
 16. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the mounting base comprises a protrusion, andwherein the container of the scent storage component comprises a groovethat engages with the protrusion to allow the scent storage component tobe securely installed to the mounting base.
 17. The device of claim 1,further comprising: a control unit configured to control an operation ofthe device; and a detachable power plug assembly mounted to the mountingbase, the detachable power plug assembly configured to connect to apower source to provide power to the control unit.
 18. The device ofclaim 17, wherein the detachable power plug assembly comprises anadaptor configured to interface with universal interchangeable plugs.19. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a snap ring positionedaround the outer shell; and a transparent or semi-transparent sheetcoupled to the snap ring.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein thetransparent or semi-transparent sheet comprises one or more designsprinted thereon, the light emitting component is positioned within theouter shell, and the light emitted from the light emitting component isdirected or refracted through the transparent or semi-transparent sheet.21. The device of claim 1, comprising a collar positioned close to alower part of the outer shell and the top base of the mounting base. 22.The device of claim 1, wherein the container of the scent storagecomponent is transparent or translucent, wherein the main body of themounting base comprises one or more light emitting diodes that arepositioned behind the container when the scent storage component iscoupled to the mounting base, and wherein the one or more light emittingdiodes are configured to emit different colors of light based ondifferent settings of the electronic candle device.